Here is an innovation from the Israeli company, Lumus, which specializes in the Light-guide Optical Element (LOE) technology. LOE technology helps in the design of ultrathin lens that are uniquely capable of holding very tiny, see through elements right in front of the eye. When incorporated into goggles, it presents the user with information, messages and emails that can be seen and dealt with on the move. The images do not block the actual view. The concept as such has received mixed responses though.

Lumus PD-18-2 glasses

The Inspiration:

There seems to be a race to achieve improved technology in smaller sizes. Technology, on its part, is vastly improving the rate of miniaturization and growth that began with the PC and seems to have culminated with a small handheld device. It will not be long before carrying a gadget in itself will be considered outdated. In such a scenario, having a screen as a sort of a second eye seems to be the next big thing. With the incorporation of GPS on to the goggles, it is but natural that people crave for the internet and mails in the same.

The LOE technology goggles have been designed with translucent lenses which allow for the special “augmented” vision. It actually superimposes images and graphics over the person’s field of vision. Image components are then collected from a micro display and projected into the eye, thus creating a large virtual image with an SVGA resolution. Similar products that have been put to use in military and professional use, block out the view when used in such hi-tech manner. The Lumus PD-18-2 promises the ability to look through, along with the virtual images it creates.

The Fabulous:

The fabulous factor for this device comes from the fact that though the images created are lifelike and in full color, they do not block the vision of the wearer. Thus, even while walking, one could deal with the messages and emails for the day ensuring higher productivity and time utilization. For professionals like surgeons and pilots, this could be very useful in providing additional information on the go without interrupting or affecting their activities.

The fabulous factor is also a dangerous one. The line between "augmented" vision and "distracted" vision is a fine one and one can never say when it is crossed. The information may only result in an overload and hamper processing of the regular activities.

The Target:

As stated earlier, similar products are out for the professionals and the military. However, in this case, Lumus is targeting the everyday, common man. Apart from the business people who are ever in the need for more time, it could also be a fun way to utilize time on the move for office-goers and workers. It is also a powerful mobile entertainment as one can even watch movies. This facet could be used to target the teens and youngsters also.

Related Trends:

1.iTVGoggles ITG-WideView:

itvgogglesITG

With a built-in two GB flash memory, these goggles can store digital media, movies, pictures, books and the like. It comes along with a pair of ear plugs to help complete the multimedia experience. It sits comfortably on the eyes and looks like a cool pair of sunglasses. It offers crisp colors and large images with a wonderful sound quality. Only drawback is that the glasses do not allow one to simultaneously be in the real world and the virtual world.

2. Recon next-gen GPS goggles:

Recon next-gen GPS goggles

The Transcend goggles and smart goggles are GPS enabled. Thus updating stats about the user’s latitude/longitude, altitude and distance traveled can be easily achieved on the LCD within the goggles. Using an Android OS, the goggles thus allows the development and implementation of personalized apps. With the feature of integrated maps, one must say that it is real hard to get mislaid with these goggles assisting one’s vision. It also allows users to access messages, mails and record videos or take photos on the fly.

3. Video goggle system to aid memory retrieval:

Video goggle system

Due to the information overload on the brain, it records and recollects only part of all that we see. The new video goggle system acts as a memory aid by recording and transferring images of the scenes seen by the user along the way. These recorded images are then transferred into another device that is currently under development. These Cyber Goggles thus act as excellent surveillance devices.

The 2012 Detroit Motor Show had a pretty parade of cars. Almost all the leading auto companies including Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Toyota, Mercedes and Volkswagen introduced their green designs, giving the glimpse of green and healthy future. Among them, however, were a few cars that were definitely a cut above the rest. Here are the 10 best green cars from the Detroit Motor Show 2012.

Technology is improving and becoming better, however, conversely gadgets with the latest technology are shrinking by the day. We probably never imagined how compact and tiny gadgets could ever be, and who knows, we might just end up embedding them into our bodies instead of carrying them in times to come! Smart technology has given birth to smart and intelligent gadgets with a 6th sense. So here are 7 amazing gadgets for the techno geeks that can be controlled with a gesture!

Technology has changed our lives for good and has added a lot of comfort. Computer is one such innovation that managed to infect our lives like a virus and has made us very dependent on the benefits it comes injected with. It is a storehouse of information, which helps us stay connected with the whole world. There is a sea of computers present in the market, but we keep yearning for faster and smaller computers that have a sleek facade.

Intel touch Ultrabook

The passion has shifted from desktops to notebooks to netbooks and now finally the ultrabooks. Ultrabooks are hi-end laptops that are quite thin and light in weight. These are expensive than notebooks and deliver a high performance. Intel is planning to launch not one but 75 ultrabooks in this year itself. Lenovo Yoga was unveiled at the CES 2012 where it received many accolades. It has a multi-touch screen, unlike the ones by Apple like MacBook Air that does not have a touch sensitive screen. These will let a user savor the comfort provided by a touchscreen and at the same time keep them in touch with the physical keyboard as well.

With so many new ultrabooks hitting the market, these high performance gadgets will become as common as smartphones and tablets. Intel has joined hands with Nuance, a speech recognition firm, which will introduce voice recognition in ultrabooks. This will make sure that performing tasks like playing music/videos, using social network sites and opening other applications becomes all the more easy as a person gives voice commands.

The inspiration:

The all new ultrabooks with touchscreen and voice recognition have clearly fetched a lot of inspiration from Apple, which strangely ignored the use of touchscreen in its designs. The brand found out that vertical touch displays will not be a success if the screen of ultrabooks are made touch sensitive. Apple thought that incorporating touchscreen on a big screen may prove to be uncomfortable and tiresome, hence skipped the idea completely as they found it to be impractical. People prefer to use physical controls while working and touch screens are more fun in comparison. So, ultrabooks will endow users with the benefit of both a tablet and a notebook, which they have been longing for from quite some time.

What makes it stand out?

The ultrabooks are here to replace tablets, thanks to the portability they come tagged with. The all new range of ultrabooks will not only be light in weight and slim, but will also be very fast. These will come embedded with a touch sensitive screen, which will make the operation quite intuitive and the overall experience will be further enhanced by the presence of voice recognition. This means, a user could easily operate the computer without much effort and sans any physical movement. The only hitch would be the heavy price tag these ultrabooks come stashed with.

Where do we go from here?

A computer is used for both professional as well as recreational purposes. Ultrabook will be a great gadget for people who travel a lot and like to keep themselves updated and entertained. Presently, the technology is a bit expensive and is expected to get cheaper with the passage of time. People won't find it a headache to carry this lightweight product, which will keep them connected with the world.

Related trends:

Given below are two products that were put on show at the CES 2012.

1. Lenovo Yoga:

Lenovo Yoga

If you are having a problem choosing between a tablet and a notebook, then the all new Lenovo Yoga is what you should pick. It has a 260 degree flip and fold design and is the first multi mode notebook. Lenovo Yoga is easy to use and has a slim profile. It is a portable computing solution, which comes clubbed with amazing functionality. The monitor can be positioned in a stand or tent mode as per the user's whims and fancies.

2. Intel Nikiski:

Intel Nikiski

Intel Nikiski has Windows 7 based hardware and also features a transparent touch sensitive trackpad. The trackpad is placed under the keyboard and runs all across the bottom. The attention grabbing ultrabook has a touch based interface. Intel Nikiski has a semitransparent top lid and the highly sensitive trackpad swaps it into a tablet in no time.

Madame Curie is one of the most famous female scientists in the history and her legend has kept the spirit of science alive for little girls through the generations. Being the most famous woman of science so far and the discoverer of polonium and radium, you'd think a light fixture inspired by her would be crafted out of these elements. But designer Pani Jurek decided that to shy away from using an all-too obvious idea and chose to design a chandelier using plywood rings and chemistry ready-made tubes.

The Maria S.C. chandelier allows users to set the light up in various arrangements and configurations to suit their decor. The versatile light fixture is even named after the famous polish scientist Maria Sklodowska-Curie. Though the chemistry tubes featured in the design do not appear to be used, if the designer can find a way to incorporate the ones discarded from labs and schools, the light fixture could become one helluva statement piece for the eco conscious decorator.

Innovations in the field of bicycle design are a dime a dozen. Though the range of bikes that can be transformed and twisted for easy storage are fairly common, we hadn't yet seen one that can be transformed into a bike that can be peddled by more than one person. This was until designer José Hurtado had introduced us to the wonderful Twist Bike concept. The concept, at first, looks like any other modern bike with its minimal features and high-tech design. But when you look closely, you really get to appreciate the genius behind it.

The bike comes with a quick release skewer that can be opened and once you rotate the fork to free up the wheel, you can essentially add another bike frame to the design and turn your single-user Twist Bike into a tandem bike that can be pedaled and enjoyed by two people.

Though tandem bikes may be deemed out of fashion in comparison to the MTB and professional bike craze that has swept the cycling community of late, but they still provide like-minded friends and couples with the opportunity to pursue their favorite activity together and spend some quality downtime with loved ones in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere.

People of the modern era are so dependent on gadgets that they feel handicapped if these devices stop working. One of the biggest troubles is to hunt a charging slot in case the gadget runs out of charge. Joao Paulo Lammoglia has come up with an electronic mask named AIRE, which can convert air produced by human breath into electrical energy.

The electronic device is a mask that will utilize energy from human activities and produce electric energy. This energy can be further used to juice up small electronic gadgets. The device makes sure that renewable sources of energy are used to charge gadgets, as against the non-renewable ones that may harm the environment and cause problems.

AIRE can be used both indoors and outdoors. The inside of AIRE features small wind turbines that convert wind energy to electric energy. This energy is further transferred to a small electronic device via a cable. The smart electronic device will help save energy and will also let the user practice breathing exercises. Simply, fit the mask on your face and see your beloved gadgets, like a cell phone, get charged the eco friendly way.

AIRE can be used while walking, sleeping, studying, driving, running and even while reading a book. It doesn't require a user to sit or stand in a certain position, which makes the device very user friendly. The electronic device will help you lead a healthy and guilt free life. So, reverse the ill effects of using non-renewable sources of energy while keeping small gadgets alive with AIRE.